Zora Neale Hurston

Definition

Zora Neale Hurston was an influential African American author, anthropologist, and key figure in the Harlem Renaissance, best known for her works exploring the complexities of Black identity and culture in America. Her writing often combines elements of folklore, spirituality, and existential themes, reflecting the search for self and community in a rapidly changing society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Zora Neale Hurston was born on January 7, 1891, in Notasulga, Alabama, and grew up in Eatonville, Florida, one of the first all-Black towns in America.
2. She studied anthropology at Barnard College under Franz Boas and used her knowledge to inform her literary works by collecting African American folklore.
3. Hurston's writing style is characterized by its use of dialect, vibrant imagery, and a strong sense of place that vividly captures the Southern Black experience.
4. In addition to 'Their Eyes Were Watching God,' Hurston wrote several other important works including 'Mules and Men' and 'Dust Tracks on a Road,' both reflecting her anthropological insights.
5. Despite her significant contributions to literature and culture, Hurston faced periods of financial struggle and was largely unrecognized during her later years until a revival of interest in her work in the 1970s.

Review Questions

• How did Zora Neale Hurston's background and education influence her writing style and themes?
  • Zora Neale Hurston's upbringing in Eatonville, Florida, provided her with a rich cultural environment that deeply influenced her literary voice. Her education at Barnard College allowed her to merge her interests in anthropology and literature. This blend informed her unique writing style, characterized by authentic dialects and vivid portrayals of Black life. Her focus on folklore reflects her desire to celebrate and preserve African American culture while addressing themes of identity and community.
• Discuss the significance of folklore in Zora Neale Hurston's work and its impact on modernist literature.
  • Folklore plays a crucial role in Zora Neale Hurston's work as it serves to connect African American heritage with contemporary themes of spirituality and existentialism. By incorporating folk stories into her narratives, she not only preserves cultural traditions but also offers profound insights into the human condition. This blend creates a rich tapestry that resonates with modernist literature’s quest for authenticity and deeper meaning. Hurston's ability to weave folklore into her exploration of identity makes her work stand out within the modernist literary movement.
• Evaluate how Zora Neale Hurston's exploration of spirituality relates to existential themes within her literature.
  • Zora Neale Hurston's exploration of spirituality is intricately linked to existential themes as she examines individual search for meaning amidst societal challenges. In 'Their Eyes Were Watching God,' the protagonist Janie's journey reflects personal growth through relationships and self-discovery. This aligns with existentialism's focus on individual experience. Hurston portrays spirituality not merely as religious belief but as a vital connection to one's roots and community. Through this lens, she addresses broader questions about existence, purpose, and the quest for identity within a complex world.

Related terms

Harlem Renaissance: A cultural movement in the 1920s that celebrated African American art, literature, and music, with figures like Hurston playing a pivotal role in its development.

Folklore: The traditional beliefs, customs, and stories of a community, which Hurston often incorporated into her literary works to highlight African American cultural heritage.

Their Eyes Were Watching God: Hurston's most famous novel, published in 1937, which explores themes of love, independence, and self-discovery through the life of its protagonist, Janie Crawford.